Check in to nature

Find peace and escape from it all at these sweet country retreats

- BY SARAH MARSHALL

A patchwork of green fields, rolling hills and ancient woodlands, the British countryside has been eulogised by poets, painters and playwrights for centuries.

Almost 70% of the land is made up of working farms, where cattle are grazed, fields are ploughed and an assortment of animals are reared.

Many of these estates now welcome guests, offering the chance to disconnect from urban living by enjoying locally sourced food and engaging with nature. Stays range from cosy coastal cabins to off-grid eco-glamping pods set in vast pastures. As spring springs into action, now's the time to visit.

NORTH HAYNE FARM, DEVON

Young guests can help farmers feed chickens, goats, ducks, alpacas and pigs in a purpose-built children's farm at this award-winning property in North Devon. Continuing the hands-on theme, kids can also ride or guide donkeys, handle rabbits and help bottle feed orphan lambs.

Designed to fully immerse visitors in nature, other activities include bird box building, trails, mini-beasting and shelter building. Set on the outskirts of Exmoor National Park in a dark sky area, eight self-catering cottages come with hot tubs and use of a telescope for stargazing.

Book it: Seven-night stays from £1,599 (four sharing). northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk

COWBRIDGE CABINS, PENLLYN ESTATE, VALE OF GLAMORGAN